Danish musician ML Buch has released a new, untitled track accompanied by a whimsical music video, offering a glimpse into her evolving artistic landscape. The release marks her first new music since the 2023 collection, Suntub Extras, and signals a continuation of the sonic exploration that has garnered her critical acclaim. The video, described as “serotonin-providing,” features a figure – potentially Buch herself – joyfully skipping down a road while carrying a baby, with a playful canine companion making a cameo appearance.
Buch’s function has consistently defied straightforward categorization, blending elements of art rock, avant-pop, and a distinctly personal approach to sound design. Her 2023 album, Suntub, released through 15 Love, was a particularly significant milestone, earning praise for its innovative production and introspective themes. The album represented a five-year creative process, during which Buch self-produced and played nearly all the instruments, with some contributions on drums from a friend named Tanya. This dedication to a hands-on approach is a hallmark of her artistry, allowing for a level of control and nuance that resonates throughout her music.
The Evolution of a Sound: From Skinned to Suntub
Prior to Suntub, Buch’s debut album, Skinned (2020), established her as a rising force in the experimental music scene. While Skinned explored themes of technology and modern life through electronic textures, Suntub marked a shift towards more abstract and corporeal concepts. As Philip Sherburne of Pitchfork noted in his review, Suntub delves into “onomatopoeic words, ‘strange curves,’ elemental forms like sun and sea and wind,” creating a richly detailed sonic world. This evolution reflects Buch’s ongoing exploration of sound and her willingness to challenge conventional musical boundaries.
The transition between albums is similarly evident in the instrumentation. Suntub saw Buch move away from the overtly electronic elements of Skinned, embracing sparkling guitars, rock drumming, and polished vocal melodies. Sherburne observed that this shift created a “glossy” sound, reminiscent of classic alt-rock, yet underpinned by Buch’s unique and cryptic artistic vision. This blending of familiar and unconventional elements is a key characteristic of her work, making it both accessible and intellectually stimulating.
A Unique Recording Process
Buch’s creative process is as unconventional as her music. According to a Wikipedia entry, she spent five years crafting Suntub, a period she felt was “the time it needed.” Much of this time was spent in the countryside by the ocean, allowing her the solitude necessary to fully realize her artistic vision. Beyond the traditional studio setting, Buch employed a variety of unorthodox recording locations, including her car and a local swimming pool. She re-amped her guitar through her car stereo and captured vocals in the unique acoustics of the Kalundborg swimming pool, sauna, and changing room. This willingness to experiment with recording environments contributes to the distinctive sonic texture of her music.
Critical Reception and Accolades
Suntub was met with widespread critical acclaim upon its release in October 2023. Pitchfork, for example, awarded the album an 8.0 out of 10, praising its abstract themes and innovative production. The publication later included Suntub on its list of the best albums of 2023, ranking it at number thirteen. The album’s success solidified Buch’s position as a leading voice in contemporary art-pop, attracting a growing audience eager to explore her unique sonic world.
The album’s impact extends beyond critical praise. Listeners have shared their personal connections to the music, with comments on Bandcamp highlighting favorite tracks like “Pan over the hill” and “River mouth.” This direct engagement with her audience underscores Buch’s ability to create music that resonates on a deeply personal level.
The New Single and its Visual Companion
The release of this new, untitled single, and its accompanying video, offers a fresh perspective on Buch’s artistic trajectory. While details about the track remain limited, the video’s lighthearted imagery suggests a continuation of her exploration of emotional and sensory experiences. The image of a person skipping with a baby, accompanied by a cheerful dog, evokes a sense of joy and freedom, contrasting with some of the more introspective themes explored in Suntub. This juxtaposition hints at a broadening of Buch’s artistic palette, suggesting a willingness to embrace a wider range of emotions and experiences in her music.
The song’s origins trace back to 2016, indicating a long gestation period similar to that of Suntub. This suggests that Buch often allows her songs to evolve organically over time, refining and perfecting them until they fully align with her artistic vision. The spontaneous decision to finish and release the track now suggests a desire to share a piece of her creative process with her audience, offering a glimpse behind the curtain of her artistic world.
ML Buch’s music continues to challenge and inspire, pushing the boundaries of contemporary art-pop. Her dedication to experimentation, her unique recording techniques, and her willingness to explore complex themes have established her as a significant voice in the music world. The release of this new single, and its captivating video, is a testament to her ongoing creative evolution and a promise of more innovative music to come.
As Buch continues to develop her sound, fans and critics alike will be eager to see where her artistic journey takes her next. Her commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring new sonic territories ensures that her music will remain a source of fascination and inspiration for years to come.
Stay tuned for further updates on ML Buch’s upcoming projects and performances. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and interpretations of her music in the comments below.
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